Holiday Gift Guide 2013: First, a Level-Setting

Source: Lia Griffith

It's here! Holiday shopping season has officially kicked off, and I've got the inbox to prove it. At this point in the season, I'm easily receiving at least 150 emails a day from brands and PR agencies alike, all with suggestions - some great, some decidedly less so (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) - on what to gift those special someones in my life AND what to recommend you gift yours. And while shopping for gifts can be stressful, it's something that I, personally, take quite a bit of pride in, so I thought BEFORE sharing one holiday gift guide suggestion, I'd first share some recommended criteria for gift giving. As far as I'm concerned, every gift you give anyone should check at least one of the following boxes - if not more:

1. Highly luxurious. As in something so indulgent, the recipient would never THINK to purchase it for themselves. Rest assured, they'll be thrilled that you think they're worth it. (Suggestion? These Corgi for J.Crew Cashmere Bordeaux Heart Socks, $98)
2. Intensely personal. People often suggest gifting things that you yourself would love to receive. And while I'd like to think that my taste is universally excellent, this approach is inherently narcissistic. The best gifts take the taste of the recipient into consideration, not your own.  That said, this is also where paying attention can REALLY pay off. Take note throughout the year, not just as gift-giving occasions approach, on the wishes and faves of those who've made your "Nice" list. (For example, though I am not really into insect accessories, my friend Sarah of Style It Online loved the wild Erica Weiner Cicada earrings ($30) I gifted her for her birthday last June.)
3. Practical and REQUESTED. This is not an "either/or," it is an "and" very deliberately. Before gifting someone - anyone - something that is above all USEFUL, ensure that they really want it.  Gifts that fall into this category include any household applicance (boyfriends and husbands, I'm looking at you), workout equipment or gym/studio memberships and (I can't believe I even have to type it) anti-aging skincare.  Gifts shouldn't be backhanded insults, after all. 

Do you agree or disagree with my gift-giving criteria? Dissenting opinions welcome in the comments below!

Holiday Wish List 2011: I've Been Nice!

Gift guide, schmift guide, y'all.

Truth be told, I remain relatively uninterested in what I'm buying OTHER peeps, and selfishly, MUCH more interested in crafting my own holiday wish list for the year. I'll get to the fam and friends in the coming weeks, or so I convince myself. But back to me. In case I've made it to any of your must gift lists (BLESS YOUR HEART and BREAK OUT YOUR WALLET), here are my wishes for the impending, looming, etc. season:

Brulee's chic and sexy piped silk robe ($280) makes me loooooong for loungetime.

I never grow tired of the whimsical signature Lips clutches from Brit designer Lulu Guiness. But bedazzle that noise in some shocking pink Swarovski crystals, and I'm completely SOLD. $1,025 later, you can cook yourself some ramen for dins after buying me this.

The NARS Kudoki Kabuki Lip Set ($125) elevates lipstick to high art. Imagine this on my vanity - no, stop, PUT THIS ON MY VANITY.

No woman epitomizes glamour like Carine Roitfeld, the former editor of Paris Vogue. Her new book Irreverent ($60.51) is a must on my list - it'll be the perf supplement to my already exploding collection of fashion and style books.

Say what you will about fur, but I love animals every which was possible - as pets, meals and yes, even accessories, i.e. 3.1 Philip Lim's deliciously decadent dyed fur iPad case ($502, but a bargain at any price) - truth be told, I can think of no nobler end for a bunny.

Samantha Jones once said "Women with candles have replaced women with cats as the new 'sad thing.'' Well, guess what, Samantha? I have cats and I have candles. Actually, it might be more aprop to say that I can NEVER have ENOUGH candles, and my favorite brand is  D.L. and Co. This snazzy gift set - it's both decadent and edgy - is just $36 over at HSN (related: HSN. Who knew!?)

Everyone in the world in the world wants cashmere socks, but few will cough up the pennies to indulge themselves. These Corgi Cashmere Socks ($88) from J.Crew are hot on my hit list for quality time at home with my DVR, and to peek out of my fave Loeffler Randall booties.

If, mayhaps, you might prefer to simply stuff my stocking this season, I'm ALWAYS open to that. And ahem, Deborah Lippman's Get the Party Started set ($42) -with three glittering shades of nail lacquer - would give me just enough sparkle for any holiday bash.

What's on your holiday wish list this year, kids? Also, much more importantly, do you think Santa will deem you NAUGHTY or NICE?